NFL Power Rankings

The latest Power Rankings first lists the 6 best NFC and the 6 Best AFC squads, regardless of division. This accounts for the inclusion of all four NFC East teams in the rankings, even though only three at most can make the playoffs. At this point in the season, it is still too early to constrain the rankings by any factors other than performance and talent.

THE PLAYOFF ELITE

1. TENNESSEE TITANS

Tough D, strong running game, and most important, undefeated.

2. NEW YORK GIANTS

Leader of the best division in football. A comfortable Eli and excellent skill players makes the offense tick. Despite free agency, retirement, and injury losses, someone always steps up for their defense.

3. DALLAS COWBOYS

How can an underachieving 5-4 team be ranked so high? Easy. The return of Tony Romo and Felix Jones changes the entire outlook of the offense. Terrence Newman’s return at corner bolsters the defense. Still, the NFL’s most talented team top-to-bottom.

4. CAROLINA PANTHERS

Hard to argue with 7-2, but this squad, like most in their division, has the feeling of first round playoff exit written all over it.

5. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Big Ben having a so-so season, but team still producing.

6. WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Will go as far as Jason Campbell can take ‘em.

7. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and DeSean Jackson have been bright spots. The negative? Being in the NFC East, and their inability to run the ball in short yardage situations.

8. NEW YORK JETS

Showdown with the Celtics this week for division lead.

9. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Matt Cassell proving to be a solid, if unspectacular starter. Corrupt Belichick having another banner coaching year.

10. BALTIMORE RAVENS

At last, some offense to go with the D.

11. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

With Peyton Manning, this team can never be counted out.

12. ATLANTA FALCONS

Can dream season continue for Matt Ryan and Co.?


AVERAGE JOES

13. TAMPA BAY
14. ARIZONA CARDINALS
15. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
16. CHICAGO BEARS
17. MIAMI DOLPHINS
18. DENVER BRONCOS
19. BUFFALO BILLS
20. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
21. GREEN BAY PACKERS
22. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
23. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

THE XFL

24. HOUSTON TEXANS
25. CLEVELAND BROWNS
26. ST. LOUIS RAMS
27. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
28. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
29. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
30. OAKLAND RAIDERS
31. CINCINNATI BENGALS
32. DETROIT LIONS

By Mike Elliott
Staff Editor for TheDailySportsHerald.com